Students at Seneca Middle School have been putting their artistic ability on canvas for a charity to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti.

The canvas, however, isn't the normal flat painting surface. As part of The Umbrella Project, over 100 students at the Holbrook school have designed 24 stunning umbrellas that will be auctioned off over the summer.

The Umbrella Project is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers students and generates money for a number of charities. The funds raised from these specific umbrellas will be donated to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Haiti.

"We want to send a good message," said eighth grader Michael O'Donnell, whose umbrella depicts the beach, sun and happy people of Haiti, "It's a cool experience to have. Being able to design an umbrella is not something you would usually do and the benefits go for a good cause to Haiti, so it's pretty cool."

From tropical scenes with fish and sunrays to one umbrella that shows destruction and rebirth, the designs were thoughtfully crafted.

"You want to show the beauty before the earthquake happened and the truth of what happened," said eighth grader Jason Loprete.

Seneca originally became involved with The Umbrella Project last year after Kerin Crowley's sixth grade art class was featured at an art show to support Bideawee, an animal welfare organization based in Manhattan and Westhampton. Last year they made 12 umbrellas, but Hilda brown, the founder of the The Umbrella Project, really liked the work and dedication of the Sachem students.

"She was impressed with how much the kids wanted to help," said Crowley, an art teacher at Sachem for 24 years.

Crowley said the umbrellas are auctioned for thousands and that a grant will be in place that will see $2 donated for every $1 raised via auction.

"The people in Haiti really need our help right now after the earthquake," said eighth grader Erin Schreck. "It was devastating for everyone. It's nice to lend a helping hand."